NASHVILLE – It's time for minicamp, Titans style.
The Titans kick off what's scheduled to be a three-day minicamp on Tuesday at Saint Thomas Sports Park.
Stay connected here for updates, but don't miss this Tuesday's Titans mailbag either…
Here's the link to ask questions: CLICK HERE
Gary Jackson from Waverly, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim. I know it's early yet, really he just got here, but what's your take on Josh Malone and his chances of making the team out of training camp? Can he carve out a WR3 or WR4 role in our offense? Love seeing former Vols in the league and I always thought he had the size and talent to do well in the right offense. Thoughts?
Jim: Hey Gary. I've mentioned Josh in several OTA recaps, and I gave him a shout-out in the minicamp preview as well. You said it: It's early. I've seen guys flash in offseason workouts, and then they didn't make the same noise in camp. But Josh is a veteran, so he knows what's coming up. I'll say this now: He's been good in OTAs, making several nice catches. He's gotten behind defenders on deep balls. I think he has a chance to make the 53-man roster. Perhaps working against him – a lack of experience on special teams, which is big for the 4th and 5th and 6th guys on the depth chart. In his career, Josh has played 416 career offensive snaps, but only 87 on special teams. Josh needs to stay consistent and make it hard on coaches and the GM to release him.
Clement Perry from Waxhaw, North Carolina
Question: Hey Jim!!! Hope you're doing well sir! My question has to do with the schedule! I know we can't take any games for granted! I wanted to know what stretch of games do you think will be the most important for the Titans this year! If I'm correct, they have an early bye week...again *eye roll* where do you think they need to be hitting on all cylinders in order to take the south again?
Jim: Hey Clement. It's hard to predict the schedule, because you never know how teams are going to pan out. The Week 2 game at Seattle last season looked daunting before the season, but the Seahawks weren't as good as some expected. I don't know of a lot of people who thought the Bengals would end up being as good as they turned out to be. So, we'll have to see how things play out. With all that said, right now the November stretch of games – at Kansas City, Denver, at Green Bay, Cincinnati – looks really tough. But the schedule is not easy at the start either…
Jim Williams from Lubbock, Texas
Question: It's great to read about Tanny and Austin Hooper putting in extra time to create a super chemistry. I'd like to see the Titans offensive game plans to feature Hooper in the same the Falcons feature Kyle Pitts. That seems to be the best option with the wide receiver corps in a state of flux. Robert Woods is coming off a knee injury. Treylon Burks seems to be having difficulty adapting to the NFL. Nick and Dez aren't game breakers, and Racey McMath has a lot to prove. Targeting the tight end more seems to be the best way to go. Geoff Swaim has proven a sure handed pass catcher, especially in the end zone. Do you think the offensive game plans will be more geared towards the tight end this season?
Jim: Hey Jim. Well, there's reason to get the tight ends involved more. Several reasons in fact. I like what I've seen from Hooper and Chig Okonkwo so far, and Geoff Swaim has been clutch at times as well. I think you're going to see a lot more production in the red zone for sure.
Chad Davis from Ellisville, Mississippi
Question: Wondering if the Titans will go after another veteran wide receiver and if so who do you think would be the best fit. I know Beasley is a slot guy by nature but I really think he would be a great addition.
Jim: Hey Chad. I've said several times in here I won't be surprised if this happens, and kind of expect it really. Not going to speculate on which receivers, because the G.M. hasn't given me any insight on this and I'd be naming my favorites, not necessarily his …
Jaden Brown from New Orleans, Louisiana
Question: Hey jim, the titans are filling some holes but on big hole is not being complete at WR. Do you see a big trade happening for a receiver like deebo samuels, Odell Beckham jr or Marquez callaway?
Jim: Hey Jaden. I don't think Deebo is going anywhere, but we'll see. I can't see the Titans trading for him. Odell is a free agent, but he has to get healthy. Callaway is intriguing, but if I'm the Saints, I'm keeping him.
Cliff Cushing from Spring, Texas
Question: Hey, J.W.! Liked your article on David Long, Jr.. He has a chip on his shoulder & takes advantage of every opportunity he gets. Draft me those guys instead of the hyped up, uber-talented players who can't(b/c they never had to e.g.;Vince Young) or won't work hard. He's hungry and when you turn on the game film he just makes plays. With Simmons getting resigned soon, I hope Long doesn't get overlooked. Anyways, to my questions. I forget who wrote about it, but he said Treylon Burks was about 240 lbs in training camp & seemed to suggest his conditioning was why he couldn't finish practice instead of asthma. From what you have seen, does Trey have a chip on his shoulder? Should we be concerned about work ethic or determination? Is he a Rashaan Evans or a David Long, Jr.? I meant to ask you last week. Have the Titans have ever dressed 3 quarterbacks for a game? I can't see Willis leapfrogging Woodside on the depth chart, so I don't see how he plays this year unless they do that. As a Buffalo fan, btw, if they don't miss that 47 yarder, i believe that team wins 4 superbowls instead of losing them, what do you think our offense looks like in Kgun? You couldn't load the box against Henry and that guy runs better in space anyways. As always, thanks for answering our emails whether they be from TN, TX, Mexico or Europe. Thanks for treating the casual fans and the rabid fans and everyone on between with same respect and courtesy. TITAN UP!!!
Jim: Hey Cliff. I really like David Long. He has a great attitude, and he's turned into a really good player. I think the best is yet to come. Here's the story on David, for those who missed it: CLICK HERE.
As for Treylon, I don't know of a single NFL player who doesn't have a chip on his shoulder. I think Treylon has something to prove, for sure. … I wouldn't look for any big scheme changes fyi…
Jimmy Dee from Battle Ground, Washington
Question: Dear Jim, alright, I admit it, my post that Treylon Burks is a bust deserves to be in the hall of shame. I was just freaking out and overreacting about the news about Burks's bumpy start. I apologize for my ridiculously stupid post. When I was reading the mailbag today and saw my post I was surprised at how stupid it was. I take it all back.
Jim: All good, Jimmy Dee. I've had some bad answers along the way as well. Keep firing away.
Have a great week everyone!
